1998 Jaguar XJ · 2,807 MOT tests
1998 Jaguar XJ reliability
1998 Jaguar XJs fail 30.6% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 XJ years (2,807 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- 30.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 89,019
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,807
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Strong point: steering, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Jaguar XJ
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.7%
- Lights and electrics9.1%
- Brakes8.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.9%
- Tyres3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.85%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.67%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.35%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.92%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 1.82%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.57%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.62%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.3%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.77%) · Wheel bearing slight play (7.59%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.09%)
Other years
Every Jaguar XJ year
The full picture: Jaguar XJ reliability. Before you pay for any Jaguar XJ, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Jaguar XJ reliable?
1998 Jaguar XJs fail 30.6% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 XJ years (2,807 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Jaguar XJ MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.85% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.67% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (2.35% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Jaguar XJ have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Jaguar XJ shows 89,019 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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